The leaves are already fallen, and the flowers are just starting to blossom. And somewhere near the sea surf splashes. And all this is quite real! The exhibition "Artistic Treasures of Russia" takes place in the halls, which are located in the majestic complex of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Here you will not be able to see a sign that says: "Do not touch it with your hands"! And on carved benches that fit perfectly into the forest landscapes, you can even relax. In addition, you can always drink tea from a unique samovar with two taps. Yes, and donut will be offered!
Hidden treasures
On Volkhonka on November 14, 2015, a new exhibition opened in the gallery Center for the Arts (Moscow). "Artistic Treasures of Russia" is the best collection, judging by the reviews of visitors to the gallery. The new exhibition area is peacefully located in the heart of Russia, inside the base of the temple.
Collectors and ordinary art lovers for the first time in a hundred-plus years organized a similar exhibition. It presents many masterpieces of primordially Russian painting. Nobody has ever seen these canvases before, except in narrow circles. The owners carefully concealed them from prying eyes. Just at that time, one after another, there were revolutions, and then wars.
Revival of old traditions
Pre-revolutionary artists and writers decided to jointly create the monthly publication “Artistic Treasures of Russia”. At that time, the main goals for publishers were to renew interest in the heritage of original Russian artists and to attract the masses into the realm of art. Nowadays, the name and aspirations of the exhibition are closely intertwined with the ideas of the almanac in the past. Undoubtedly, first of all, the exhibition will appeal to true connoisseurs of beautiful academic art.
Unusual lighting
The organizers of the exhibition “Artistic Treasures of Russia” dramatically approached the issue of lighting paintings. All the walls are in dark colors, and some rooms do not have even additional lighting. With the exception of those lamps that are placed high under the ceiling and focus a separate stream of light exclusively on the artist’s canvas.
Sometimes they are tuned so precisely that the picture frame remains obscured. Judging by their reviews, many visitors were impressed by the mystery of the exhibition and its stylish design. In addition, they were struck by the fact that the entire staff consists of young workers. These are quite competent and friendly people.
Interior by Salvador Dali
As many as 12 galleries were allocated for the exhibition of paintings by the Center for the Arts. Artistic treasures of Russia are little-known but easily recognizable by handwriting canvases: Kuindzhi, Bryullov, Petrov-Vodkin. The spaces of the exhibition halls differ in themes. The first to meet you are the Crimean landscapes: Krachkovsky, Kondratenko and Orlovsky. Their canvases can eliminate any human fuss, while plunging into a calm contemplation of nature. Even though these are only landscapes! Further from this hall we harmoniously flow into the endless corridor with other halls on the sides.
The organization of exhibition halls is deliberately devoid of any style or chronology. The priority is the emotional perception of the contemplator. At the exhibition, more than three hundred masterpieces of art are offered to the attention of the viewer . Of course, not only the Cathedral of Christ the Savior participated in the design of galleries. "Artistic Treasures of Russia", together with the organizers, was designed by the grandson of Gala. In the life of Salvador Dali, she was a guiding light. In addition, the organizers promise to surprise visitors in the future not only with compositions, but also with special effects. However, more on that later.
Icons
You, of course, already know that “Artistic Treasures of Russia” is an exhibition located on the territory of the church. Most likely, that’s why he allocated three halls for the exhibition of icons! Many visitors have a sincere sense of admiration! Especially on how salaries are extremely beautifully executed. In addition, they are almost all decorated with filigree, enamel and semiprecious stones. In addition, a sign with additional information about its origin is attached to each icon. Almost all of the work was inherited, but their fate at times was unpredictable.
For example, here you can get acquainted with one of the non-canonical icons "Our Lady and the Baby on the Throne," painted by Vasily Vasnetsov. And the icon of the “Wisdom of God” was bought at an auction in Dusseldorf 10 years ago by one of the gallery’s employees. On the back you can see a text indicating that this icon once belonged to the Don Cossacks. The iconostasis is also equipped with a silver salary. And how many inexpressible feelings can awaken the portrait of Princess Mary in the image of an angel painted by Timothy Neff!
Green living room
Then we find ourselves in a specially equipped room "Treasury". At one time in the fashion of the 19th century, the most popular were "green living rooms", which were decorated with genuine creations of art. The priceless art treasures of Russia are exhibited here. The best of the Russian collections was in the imperial cabinet, as well as in the homes of noble nobles.
Many of the paintings were in the home rooms of the imperial family. All works from private collections. For example, Shishkin’s painting “Kama at Labugi” with a calming landscape was bought from Beria. Few people saw the picture of Nesterov's “Vision of the Youth Bartholomew”, except for Fedor Chaliapin himself.
You are most likely familiar with the first part of this work, which is displayed in the Tretyakov Gallery. The second version of the picture is also unusual in that it was written personally for Fedor Chaliapin. She was later taken to his studio in Paris, where she hung in the bedroom, right above the head of the bed, until the maestro’s death.
Sea element
The whole hall is dedicated to Aivazovsky. Here you can hear unobtrusive echoes of sea noise and splashing waves. According to experts, the artist painted about 7 thousand paintings. In the works of Aivazovsky, an unimaginable combination of elements and colors is visible. The exhibition features one of his paintings “Otar Sheep”. At first it may seem that the recognized marine painter is clearly moving away from the marine theme.
However, this is not entirely true! If you take a closer look and listen, you can easily draw a parallel between the uncontrollable elements of the herd and the surging waves. Why listen? Because “Artistic Treasures of Russia” is an absolutely unusual exhibition!
Unfortunately, judging by the reviews of some visitors, not everyone was satisfied with the design of this particular hall. They believe that in this gallery, twilight is completely not conducive to perception. Moreover, this feeling visits literally immediately, even at the entrance. Since all the light emanating from the sun or moon, accumulates exclusively in the center of the picture.
Living pictures
Despite all the academics in which the canvases were made, some of them even got musical accompaniment. The organizers of the exhibition “Artistic Treasures of Russia” believe that this helps to feel the plot better. In the picture at a certain point there is a sound device delivering the singing of birds, the sound of waves of the sea, the chime of bells or the bleating of sheep.
Most visitors welcomed this innovation. However, judging by the reviews, some have not been able to fully experience absolute aesthetic satisfaction from this process. For example, trying to tune in to Roerich's deep contemplation, you may suddenly hear the bleating of sheep. Agree, this situation looks a bit ridiculous and causes a smile.
Also at the exhibition you can take advantage of additional guide services. Modern gadgets in the form of a tablet or smartphone screen can revive even the canvas, written by the artist! Unfortunately, not all paintings come to life. But everyone shows a biography and plot. Many visitors believe that the smartphone guide is much more interesting and informative.
However, even with its help, the organization of the excursion was not thought out in a very thorough manner, as visitors note. Galleries are not numbered, under many canvases there is no description, except for the name of the artist and the date of writing. But this causes significant discomfort. Especially for those who see poorly or simply did not use the services of an electronic guide.
The following are the canvases of such famous Russian masters as: Perov, Bryullov, Matveev, Kustodiev and Repin. It was their works that adorned the living rooms and salons at the junction of the 19th and 20th centuries. Fortunately, this custom is currently being renewed.
Theater Hall
It is also impossible not to forget about the mini-performance, which is played in the Theater Hall every hour. Many visitors were literally struck by the projection of a dancing ballerina. Judging by the reviews, the ballerina dancing to Swan Lake looks quite believable! It even got ridiculous! Some connoisseurs of high art at some point even began to think that she was alive.
By the way, the hall is decorated in the appropriate subjects: beautiful chandeliers, heavy curtains, candles. At the end of the room, a grand piano gracefully sits on a small stage. Throughout the exhibition, creative evenings are held here. The works of such artists are also exhibited here: Roerich, Petrov-Vodkin, Vasnetsov and Semiradsky. However, all the masterpieces cannot be described. It’s better to see everything for yourself!
Second wind
Unfortunately, for technical reasons, the exhibition cannot last more than three months. Therefore, the employees conceived the original plan, and the Center for the Arts (Moscow) will help to implement it. The artistic treasures of Russia, three months after the end of the exhibition, will gain a new breath. Now the exposition will be constantly updated, through several hundred paintings. Because the exhibition recently offered its cooperation to collectors, artists and simply connoisseurs of Russian art. However, the organizers, one way or another, will conduct an attentive selection of paintings, as before, through examination.